Creating merchandise that reflects the level of care, imagination and innovation that has gone into the all new XJ presents an exciting challenge. Who better to take up that challenge than the team that actually designed the XJ? So Jaguar decided to unite XJ chief designer Giles Taylor, XJ interior designer Mark Phillips, XJ exterior designer Adam Hatton and fellow XJ designers Richard Carter and Nic Finney in a project to develop the perfect products to complement the new car.

"We wanted to create a whole range of merchandise directly inspired by the XJ," explains Adam Hatton. "So we had many design meetings, producing sketches and 3D design models on the Alias 3D computer modelling software that we use for designing actual parts on the cars in the design studio."

Out of one such meeting came the inspiration to use the detailed design on the JaguarDrive Selector in creating the unique cufflinks, key fob and stick pin in the collection.

"We felt this would give a direct link to the design of the XJ," says Adam. "We used the same ‘XJ’ graphic on the hi-gloss black background on these, and made use of the bright chrome/piano black combination detailing as a strong influence. This represents the car’s interior design, and also references the exterior brightwork/gloss-black theme where the side window surround meets the dark glass and pillar.

"This theme is very strong on the XJ, and we wanted the merchandise to reflect this. It gives an air of elegance, modernity and luxury."

The design team also worked closely on the creation of the XJ Glass Block and XJ model in the XJ merchandise collection. These were designed by taking 3D data from the full-size XJ and working with the manufacturers to get the models as detailed and accurate as possible.